KONE Brings Innovative, Energy-Efficient Escalator to U.S. and Canada

LISLE, Ill., May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- KONE, a leading provider of elevator and escalator equipment and services, today introduced in the U.S. and Canada, the KONE TravelMaster™ 110, a leading green and energy-efficient escalator platform targeted primarily toward the retail segment, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, department stores and shopping centers. The KONE TravelMaster 110 continues KONE's drive to meet customer demands for innovative and energy-efficient solutions.

Energy-saving options from the escalator will provide an estimated 13 percent savings on annual energy costs, reducing the escalator's total energy use over its lifecycle by up to 93,000 kWh. The energy savings options will reduce total lifecycle carbon emissions of the product by up to 114,000 pounds CO2.

"With this product launch, KONE maintains our position as an industry leader in sustainability," said Vance Tang, EVP and Area Director for Americas, KONE. "We are committed to bringing safe and environmentally sound solutions to the market. The KONE TravelMaster 110 introduces proven technology that meets these demands, while at the same time, offering more features our customers want, such as LED lighting and more aesthetic options."

standby speed operation - provides an energy savings of up to 40 percent, depending on passenger traffic, load, motor and drive. The solution also reduces the escalator's carbon footprint by 2,734 pounds CO2 per year.

"The KONE TravelMaster 110 offers multiple choices for customers wishing to reduce energy consumption, including the return of energy directly to the building, while providing a safe and smooth ride for passengers," said Brent Andrews, Product Manager, Escalator, KONE. "We even offer multiple LED lighting options that allow energy savings of up to 80 percent compared to conventional lighting. Additionally, the product is cost effective and includes an expanded aesthetic offering for our customers."

KONE's environmental commitment includes eliminating the use of hydraulic oils in its products, beginning with its Machine Room-Less (MRL) elevators in 2006. As part of this commitment, the KONE TravelMaster 110 platform includes an optional, lubrication-free chain. Without oil, owners enjoy a cleaner escalator and environment, reduced fire hazard, simpler cleaning and easier maintenance.

For more news or information on KONE products, visit www.us.KONE.com or call 800-956-5663.

About KONE

KONE is one of the global leaders in the elevator and escalator industry. The company has been committed to understanding the needs of its customers for the past century, providing industry-leading elevators, escalators and automatic building doors as well as innovative solutions for modernization and maintenance. The company's objective is to offer the best people flow experience by developing and delivering solutions that enable people to move smoothly, safely, comfortably and without waiting in buildings in an increasingly urbanizing environment. In 2010, KONE had annual net sales of EUR 5 billion and approximately 33,800 employees. KONE class B shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in Finland.